At the time of the formation of the Nationalist Congress Party on June 10, 1999, the political situation in Delhi was alarming and adverse. Still Pawar Saheb believed in his vision and his people. The political ideology of this new party was considered as the inspiration of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Pawar Saheb underlined his progressive political and social consciousness by following the path laid down by Mahatma Jotiba Phule, Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj, Mahamanav Dr. BabaSaheb Ambedkar for the common good. NCP has always maintained this progressive and people-based ideology.
Respect for the Constitution, protection of democratic values, commitment to social justice for the neglected and deprived masses, socialization of the interests of the poor peasants and workers, women empowerment and child welfare remained the core of the NCP's ideology.
Elections were declared just two months after the formation of the Nationalist Congress Party, and the Nationalist Congress Party joined hands with the Indian National Congress in Maharashtra. NCP continued its vow to work for the welfare of the people and to achieve the objective of a Sujlam Sufalam Maharashtra. NCP has been instrumental in establishing the identity of a progressive, inclusive and cultured Maharashtra. The party has continued to work on an agenda based on seven prime sectors: industry, agriculture, education, health, environment, social justice and planned urbanization.
On the national level, the NCP is active and has shown its influence in states like Goa, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Manipur, Assam, Gujarat, Kerala, Bihar, Odisha, Jharkhand and Arunachal Pradesh. NCP has got recognition as a National level party and has been working on and taking up many national level issues since then. Within the first five years of its establishment party gained popularity and huge support with its comprehensive approach. In 2004, The UPA government led by the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh came to power. HonтАЩble Shri Sharad Pawar Saheb and HonтАЩble Shri Praful Patel became the first ministers from NCP in the UPA government.
